Attorney General Raúl Torrez and a group of 20 attorneys general have requested the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to act. They want to protect infants and young children from lead and other toxic metals in baby food. This request follows the recent link of nearly 400 child lead poisoning cases to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches sold nationwide. The group has asked the FDA to respond to their October 2021 and June 2022 petitions. These petitions asked for specific guidance requiring baby food industry to test all finished products for toxic metals.
Torrez expressed concern about the presence of lead in children’s food. He stressed the need for the FDA to act to protect children, especially those from low-income and communities of color. These communities are already exposed to lead from various sources. The presence of lead in baby food increases the risk to these communities.
Currently, the FDA has only set a single action level for one type of toxic metal in one type of baby food product: inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. Under the current FDA policy, baby food manufacturers can choose whether to test their products for toxic metals and other contaminants. This lack of action by the FDA is seen as a public health concern.